Straight Pipes
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Howell NJ
Straight Pipes
For me eventually the ultimate will be headers and sidepipes, but until I can afford this combination I am thinking about dropping the mufflers (don't have cats) and running staight pipes for sound and maybe some additional performance(mainly sound). I welcome input from those who have done this, hoping it doesen't sound like my neighbor 2 doors down who in fact needs an exhaust.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
I tried that about 2 years ago on my street driven 80, with stock exhaust manifolds and an L-48- before the rebuild. The "noise" was deafening and an embarassment. NOT a good exhaust rumble. I 'd look for some free flowing mufflers with a sound that you like.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
I ran a stock L81 through stock headers into some short straight pipes until I got my sidepipes, and it was kind of embarassing. Don't do it. Your ears will literally ring when you turn the car off. It isn't a good sound, either. More of a drone. Find some cheap low restriction mufflers in the meantime.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Waynesburg PA
How is your 76 register and inspected in PA. I keep getting told that any modification to exhaust (no catalyic converter) will not pass inspection unless it classic/antque/street rod register. I was told by my mechanic this morning that duel exhausts with no cat are not legal. I am very confussed.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
i think they started putting cats on the vette in 75.
you didn't fill out your profile, so i have no idea what year your vette is, but if it is 75 or later then your mechanic is probably right.
the only way it would be legal to have dual exhaust with no cats is if it came from the factory that way (74 and earlier).
does that clear up your confusion?
you didn't fill out your profile, so i have no idea what year your vette is, but if it is 75 or later then your mechanic is probably right.
the only way it would be legal to have dual exhaust with no cats is if it came from the factory that way (74 and earlier).
does that clear up your confusion?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Waynesburg PA
I just went to another mechanic and a dealer (he gets alot of vettes). You are right 75 on has to have catalyic converter and air pump to pass. Both said dual exhuast on a regular register car after 74 are illegal. Both basicly told me they could refer me to someone who will "put a sticker on it" for a price. The dealer had a 78 with a stock 2 into one exhaust with new mufflers, new 4-09 sticker on it. I crawled underneath, NO CAT, I asked him and he strugged his shoulders and smilled.
Is everybody with dual exhuast/sidepipes just "getting a sticker put on" for $$$ (illegally)?
I don't have a vette, looking for 1st one but am totally confussed and frustrated at trying to find out how to go about getting one registered/inspected in PA.
Is everybody with dual exhuast/sidepipes just "getting a sticker put on" for $$$ (illegally)?
I don't have a vette, looking for 1st one but am totally confussed and frustrated at trying to find out how to go about getting one registered/inspected in PA.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Waynesburg PA
Sorry to hyjack the thread. Actually the law say any modification from factory specs so even a modified pre 75 I would think is not legal. Now how many straight stock vettes (or any old car) are out their. This is what I can't figure out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe New Mexico
If you need cats, there are plenty of free flowing versions out there. Check Summit for a quick look.
Not on a vette (I don't have mine yet! :bb ), but on my 88 Jeep with a 360 I have flowmaster 40s, they are pretty open and get rid of the high pitched tones that leave your ears ringing, just gives that nice, low rumble without being too loud.
Not on a vette (I don't have mine yet! :bb ), but on my 88 Jeep with a 360 I have flowmaster 40s, they are pretty open and get rid of the high pitched tones that leave your ears ringing, just gives that nice, low rumble without being too loud.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Howell NJ
I probably will not consider cats even though I have an 81 and depending on the amount of time that you drive the car and how stricht the law is in your area will be the deciding factor. We usually have at least one show a week in my area and everyone is running something that they shouldn't be. Although I have been pulled over I was let go, understanding I was headed to the local display, and I have not been inspected.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
My neighbor had headers and full length straight pipes on his 'stang for a few weeks, and although he was apparently oblivious to it, the harmonic resonances converged at just about exactly my pillow. Thing is, we're both hardcore gearheads, but came to agree that early morning in the neighborhood is neither the time nor place for open pipes after articles began crashing off the shelf in my bathroom. Just some food for thought...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
I have hooker sidepipes with max flo mufflers on my '69, When I start it in the garage, things fall of the shelf in the bathroom which shares a wall with the garage. I really can't imagine (nor do I want to) what it would be like with no mufflers.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Oreland PA
How is your 76 register and inspected in PA. I keep getting told that any modification to exhaust (no catalyic converter) will not pass inspection unless it classic/antque/street rod register. I was told by my mechanic this morning that duel exhausts with no cat are not legal. I am very confussed.